Durga Pujo - The Carnival in Kolkata

It is absolutely impossible to pen down the experience of “Durga Pujo” in words. Nostalgia, memories, food, and Durga Puja festivities are inseparable. Did you know that the first grand worship of Goddess Durga is said to have been celebrated in the late 1500s? I identify myself as an atheist, or at least I don't understand or connect with any religion, but for me, the Durga Pujo is far beyond than just a religious event. It is an emotion, that's hard to miss. I have taken leaves and caught the flight at the last moment to spend just a few days in Kolkata during the pujo. It's like a calling. Durga Puja, the most important festival of Bengal is coming soon. Christmas in New York, Rio Carnival in Brazil, and the La Tomatina Festival in Spain summed up cannot beat the magnitude of the Durga Puja celebrations in Kolkata, India. It is the most awaited festivity of the year that goes far and beyond than just a religious carnival. It is that time of the year you gaga over new clothes, have that extra plate of biryani, or gulp down a couple more phuchka while pandal hopping, and when you completely forget the extra calories. No matter which corner of the world you are in, it is time to come back home to your family and catch up with your childhood friends over ‘pujor adda‘. Happy puja, everyone! Asche Bochor Abar Hobe! Bolo Durga maye ki joy!